|
Please read this first We work to keep state commissioning information current, but requirements, fees, and forms can change faster than we can update this page. Confirm every step with the DC Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA) using the official links below before you apply. This article is a checklist, not legal advice. |
Overview
The District of Columbia issues a traditional notary public commission through ONCA. Remote online notarization is a RON endorsement on that commission: you must first hold the traditional commission for one year, obtain the IPEN endorsement, then apply for RON.
Use this page as a checklist of where to go and what to complete. Follow ONCA’s current instructions if anything here differs from the official site.
For a U.S. overview of remote online notary authorization, see the National Notary Association’s How to Become a Remote Online Notary. Follow the DC Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications (ONCA)’s instructions if anything differs.
Who Can Apply
To be commissioned as a DC notary public, you must meet all of the following:
|
|
|
Start Here: ONCA
Submit the current online DC Notary Application. Endorsements (IPEN, then RON) are later filings on an existing traditional commission.
|
1
|
Read the official ONCA service page Open Notary Commissions and the New Notary Application Guide linked there. |
|
2
|
Submit the online DC Notary Application Use the current year application linked from the ONCA page. Applications are reviewed in at least five business days. |
|
3
|
If you already hold a DC commission, confirm it has been active one year RON requires one year as a commissioned DC notary and an IPEN endorsement first. |
Part 1: Traditional District of Columbia Notary Commission
Skip this section if you already hold an unexpired DC notary public commission. You cannot apply for RON until you also meet the one-year and IPEN requirements.
Checklist
|
1
|
Review the official how-to Notary Commissions and the ONCA New Notary Application Guide 2026. |
|
2
|
Complete traditional notary education New applicants (and renewals expired more than 12 months) complete DC New Notary Public Orientation. ONCA does not list a separate orientation fee on the service page. |
|
3
|
Obtain a surety bond After approval and payment, ONCA emails a Provisional Commission Notice (PCN) to purchase supplies and a surety bond. The bond amount is not listed on the ONCA service page; use the amount on your PCN. |
|
4
|
Submit the traditional application Submit the online application, Letter of Request, and $75 application fee. After the PCN, complete supplies, bond, oath, and any orientation window ONCA assigns (often 60 days from the provisional start date). |
|
5
|
Complete the commission window Attend orientation if required, take the oath, and finish PCN items before the window closes. ONCA will not re-date an expired PCN; you would reapply. |
Part 2: Online (RON) Commission
Complete this only after one year as a DC notary and after the IPEN endorsement. RON is an endorsement, not a stand-alone commission. You must be physically in the District of Columbia during the remote act.
Have these ready
|
|
|
|
Checklist
|
1
|
Read the official online-notary instructions Use the IPEN and Remote Notary sections of Notary Commissions and the endorsement notification form linked there. |
|
2
|
Complete online notary education Complete training with a recognized remote notary training vendor. Complete IPEN training first if you do not already hold the IPEN endorsement. |
|
3
|
Start the online commission application File the ONCA Request to Perform Remote Notarizations (and IPEN first if needed). Name the vendor/software. |
|
4
|
Sign with a digital certificate Submit proof of digital seal and electronic signature on the DC Notary Public: Remote Notary Endorsement Oath Form. |
|
5
|
Upload your electronic seal Provide seal and signature proof as the oath form requires. Watch email for ONCA’s authorization confirmation. |
|
6
|
Pay and submit ONCA lists a $30 endorsement fee on the service page for IPEN and for RON. Confirm the current amount on the form before you pay. |
After You Are Commissioned
|
|
Renew the traditional commission 90–30 days before expiration to keep concurrent dates. Endorsements are added to the traditional commission; do not let the underlying commission lapse.
Fees Listed by ONCA
Amounts below are from Notary Commissions. Confirm them there before you pay. Bond and supply costs are set after the Provisional Commission Notice.
| Item | ONCA fee |
|---|---|
| New Notary Orientation | Not listed as a separate ONCA dollar amount on the service page |
| Recognized RON training | Paid to a recognized training vendor (not listed as an ONCA course fee) |
| Traditional application | $75 |
| IPEN or RON endorsement | $30 each (confirm on the endorsement form) |
| Surety bond | Required after the PCN; amount not listed on the ONCA service page |
Official District of Columbia Links
| Resource | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Notary Commissions (ONCA) | os.dc.gov/service/notary-commissions |
| ONCA | [email protected] |
Common Questions
Q: Can I apply for the online commission first?
A: No. You need a traditional DC commission, one year of service, and the IPEN endorsement before the RON endorsement.
Q: Does DC approve a list of RON platforms?
A: ONCA requires you to name an authorized remote notary vendor on the request form. Confirm the current vendor rules on the ONCA service page.
Q: Where can I confirm a fee or form changed?
A: Use Notary Commissions and email [email protected].
Last Updated: August 26, 2026 | Author: Customer Success Team | Version: v1.0
